EGYPTAIR and Etihad Airways sign codeshare partnership

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and EGYPTAIR, the flag carrier of Egypt, have announced a new codeshare partnership to be introduced in phases from 1 March 2017.

Under the initial phase of the agreement, Etihad Airways
will place its ‘EY’ code on EGYPTAIR operated flights between Abu Dhabi and
Cairo, while EGYPTAIR will place its ‘MS’ code on Etihad Airways flights
between the two capital cities.

During the second phase, Etihad Airways will gain access to
major cities across Africa on flights operated by EGYPTAIR via its Cairo hub.
In turn, EGYPTAIR will be able to access key routes to Australia and the Far
East served by Etihad Airways from its Abu Dhabi operational hub. The third
phase will see the EY code placed on domestic flights across Egypt.

Members of Etihad Airways’ and EGYPTAIR’s
loyalty programmes – Etihad Guest and EGYPTAIR Plus – will be able to earn
miles on the codeshare flights at a later stage, with a view to expanding the
partnership to include additional destinations on both airlines’ networks.

More than 390,000 passengers were carried on
the Abu Dhabi – Cairo route in 2016 and over two million guests have travelled
between the two countries since 2007.

Etihad Airways currently operates 28 flights
each week between Abu Dhabi and Cairo, while EGYPTAIR serves the route 21 times
a week.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer,
said: “EGYPTAIR is one of Africa’s most established and renowned airlines with
an extensive network spanning cities across the African continent. This new
codeshare agreement reinforces Etihad Airways’ commitment to a partnership
strategy with airlines around the world that provides guests with more travel
options to destinations worldwide. Our newest partner will also help further
promote tourism, cultural and business opportunities between the UAE and
Africa.”

Captain Sherif Ezzat, EGYPTAIR Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, said: “EGYPTAIR is always keen on enhancing its
network through partnering with strong airlines. Thus, we are delighted to be
partnering with Etihad Airways. The agreement will open new skies to our
customers and we look forward to working with Etihad Airways to offer all
guests a superior service provided by our highly skilled and professional
crews.

"In a future phase, Etihad Airways
customers will be able to enjoy the true Egyptian hospitality on board our
flights to a number of African destinations with convenient timings in addition
to accessing domestic destinations in Egypt."